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Tag: Fraud

  • Ex-client sues Ruby Franke, Jodi Hildebrandt alleging business fraud, encouragement of abuse


    SALT LAKE CITY — A federal lawsuit has been filed against Jodi Hildebrandt, Ruby Franke and their company, Connexions Classroom, claiming the women participated in electronic fraud and promoted a methodology that encouraged child abuse among their clients.

    Hildebrandt and Franke are both in prison after pleading guilty to abusing two of Franke’s children in what prosecutors called “concentration-camp-like” abuse. They each admitted to four counts of aggravated child abuse, a second-degree felony, and were sentenced to one to 15 years in prison for each charge.

    Franke, who previously ran the “8 Passengers” YouTube channel with over 2.3 million subscribers, helped operate the YouTube channel associated with Connexions Classroom. She and Hildebrandt also produced a podcast and other social media content.

    Complainant Michael Tilleman claimed on Jan. 22 in a federal lawsuit seeking millions of dollars that the abuse of Franke’s children was “part of a larger scheme spanning nearly two decades,” which damaged hundreds of families, including his family and thousands of individuals.

    He claimed the two women were engaged in a racketeering enterprise by advertising and selling fraudulent services and encouraging others to perpetuate illegal and harmful acts — specifically child abuse, child torture and psychological abuse.

    Tilleman, who paid for some of their services at his wife’s behest, claims the concepts taught by Hildebrandt ultimately led children to “extreme danger,” citing the condition of Franke’s children when she was arrested.

    The lawsuit was also filed against Tilleman’s ex-wife, alleging that she “enthusiastically” implemented Hildebrandt’s teachings for over a decade and endangered their now 10-year-old daughter. He said he did not realize, when he encountered various injuries on his daughter when she was with him, that physical abuse was encouraged in Connexions. Now he thinks a sunburn, signs of dehydration and other injuries she had could have stemmed from abuse, citing excerpts from Franke’s journal about the abuse of her children.

    He said his ex-wife continues to implement Hildebrandt’s teachings even after Franke and Hildebrandt’s convictions, expressing an ongoing concern for his daughter.

    The lawsuit lists stories from other clients of Hildebrandt, citing multiple times she received professional discipline. It said her methods are “destructive to families and marriages” and the destruction is a “primary objective” of Connexions.

    The 112-page lawsuit says the two women encouraged members to purchase expensive services and products to gain control over them and benefit financially, listing prices for leadership training programs at almost $5,000 and $15,000 and multiple monthly subscriptions at $84 a month. The lawsuit claims Connexions was designed to brainwash individuals into paying for services that would ultimately cause them pain, bringing them under the company’s financial and psychological control.

    Tilleman claims the counseling services, classes and digital and written materials produced by Connexions “prey on individuals in vulnerable positions.” The lawsuit claims Hildebrant encouraged women to manufacture marital problems and violate a father’s parental rights, including court orders.

    Although she advertised her background as a therapist, the lawsuit claims Hildebrandt offered “life coaching” instead of therapy, to evade the professional responsibilities of a therapist — further misleading clients.

    The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by our editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.



    A former client has filed a lawsuit against Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt, alleging business fraud and encouragement of abuse. The lawsuit claims that the defendants engaged in deceptive practices and fostered a toxic work environment that enabled and even encouraged abusive behavior.

    The plaintiff, who wishes to remain anonymous, alleges that they were misled by Franke and Hildebrandt about the quality of their services and the potential for success. Instead, they claim to have been subjected to manipulation, harassment, and emotional abuse during their time working with the defendants.

    Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that Franke and Hildebrandt turned a blind eye to the abuse and even actively encouraged it, creating a culture of fear and intimidation within their business. The plaintiff is seeking damages for the harm they endured and hopes to bring attention to the alleged misconduct of Franke and Hildebrandt.

    The defendants have denied the allegations and maintain that they have always acted in good faith. However, the lawsuit has sparked a conversation about workplace abuse and the need for accountability in business relationships. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    1. Ex-client lawsuit against Ruby Franke
    2. Jodi Hildebrandt business fraud allegations
    3. Ruby Franke lawsuit news
    4. Ex-client sues for business fraud
    5. Jodi Hildebrandt abuse allegations
    6. Ruby Franke legal trouble
    7. Ex-client lawsuit details
    8. Jodi Hildebrandt lawsuit update
    9. Ruby Franke fraud accusations
    10. Ex-client sues for encouragement of abuse

    #Exclient #sues #Ruby #Franke #Jodi #Hildebrandt #alleging #business #fraud #encouragement #abuse

  • Finebaum agrees with Big Ten coach: Harbaugh ‘disingenuous fraud’


    Paul Finebaum agrees with Illinois coach Bret Bielema when it comes to Jim Harbaugh.

    In fact, the SEC Network analyst took even further.

    “I’ve always liked Bret,” Finebaum said on “The Paul Finebaum Show” on Wednesday, per On3. “He was fun when we were together. But he is right. Harbaugh is just a disingenuous fraud about all the things he used to say. He didn’t want to face the music. By the way, Michigan didn’t really want him to stay.”

    Bielema didn’t hold back this week after it was reported Michigan planned to fight the allegations in the sign-stealing scandal.

    The Illinois coach re-posted old videos of the Harbaugh, the former Michigan coach, speaking about truth and integrity.

    The remarks were a reaction to the video in which the now-Los Angeles Chargers coach said, “Tell the truth. Always. If you lie … It’s over.”

    Bielema also reacted to a Harbaugh video in which the coach states “If you cheat to win, you’ve already lost.”

    “Really…. Why did you leave?” Bielema posted on X. “Was looking forward to playing but understand why you ran to the NFL. See you in the future and can’t wait.”

    Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.





    Paul Finebaum, one of the most outspoken voices in college football, has made headlines once again with his recent comments agreeing with a Big Ten coach who called Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh a “disingenuous fraud.”

    During a recent radio segment, Finebaum echoed the sentiments of the anonymous coach who criticized Harbaugh for his behavior and attitude towards other coaches in the conference. Finebaum went on to say that Harbaugh’s antics and lack of success at Michigan have only added fuel to the fire of his detractors.

    This is not the first time that Harbaugh has faced criticism from both within and outside the college football world. Despite his success at previous coaching stops, including a Super Bowl appearance with the San Francisco 49ers, Harbaugh has failed to live up to expectations at Michigan, leading many to question his coaching abilities and overall character.

    While Finebaum’s comments may be seen as harsh by some, they highlight the growing frustration and disappointment surrounding Harbaugh and his tenure at Michigan. As the pressure continues to mount, it will be interesting to see how Harbaugh responds to these criticisms and whether he can turn things around for the Wolverines.

    Tags:

    1. Finebaum
    2. Big Ten coach
    3. Harbaugh
    4. Disingenuous
    5. Fraud
    6. College football
    7. Sports commentary
    8. Paul Finebaum
    9. Jim Harbaugh
    10. Controversy

    #Finebaum #agrees #Big #Ten #coach #Harbaugh #disingenuous #fraud

  • Paul Finebaum sides with Bret Bielema on ‘disingenuous fraud’ Jim Harbaugh: ‘Michigan didn’t want him to stay’


    Late Tuesday night, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema didn’t mince words about Jim Harbaugh and Michigan after a report said UM planned to fight the allegations in the Connor Stalions scandal. Less than 24 hours later, SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum sided with Bielema.

    Bielema raised eyebrows Tuesday when he quoted an old clip of Harbaugh – then the San Francisco 49ers head coach – talking about his desire to be “above reproach” and avoid cheating. The Fighting Illini head coach then asked why Harbaugh ran to the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers.

    Bielema’s series of tweets came after Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported Michigan’s plan to fight the NCAA’s allegations in the Stalions investigation. Finebaum agreed with him, though, and called Harbaugh a “disingenuous fraud” in the process.

    “I’ve always liked Bret,” Finebaum said on The Paul Finebaum Show Wednesday. “He was fun when we were together. But he is right. Harbaugh is just a disingenuous fraud about all the things he used to say. He didn’t want to face the music. By the way, Michigan didn’t really want him to stay.”

    A few minutes after his initial tweet, Bielema found another clip of an old Harbaugh quote. This one was Harbaugh explaining it’s important to tell the truth, especially when being considered a leader. He used an example of his favorite daytime television judge to get his point across too. Bielema chose three emojis to make his point in a repost.

    “Be honest,” Harbaugh said in the video. “Tell the truth. If I want them to tell the truth then I have to tell the truth all the time when you’re in a leadership position. Judge Judy, I got 90 episodes of Judge Judy tivoed on my TV and that’s what I watch. One thing about her courtroom is — if you lie in Judge Judy’s courtroom, it’s over.”

    According to the 137-page document obtained by Yahoo Sports, Michigan pushed back on many of the allegations. The school also accused the NCAA of “grossly overreaching” and “wildly overcharging” the program with a lack of credible evidence about the alleged sign-stealing scheme run by Stalions. The person who tipped off the NCAA to the situation came from UM’s campus and, at one point, worked for the school, the document said.

    Michigan received an official Notice of Allegations from the NCAA in August, but the school said it made “numerous factually unsupported infractions, exaggerates aggravating factors and ignores mitigating facts,” according to the document. UM also asked the NCAA to treat the case as a “Level II standard case” instead of a Level I infraction – which is the most severe NCAA violation – and apply “common sense and [a] commitment to fairness.”

    Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.



    In a surprising turn of events, SEC analyst Paul Finebaum has come out in support of former Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema’s recent comments about Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.

    Bielema, now the defensive line coach for the New York Giants, called Harbaugh a “disingenuous fraud” in a recent interview with The Athletic. He claimed that Michigan didn’t want Harbaugh to stay and that he was only using the school as a stepping stone to get back to the NFL.

    Finebaum, known for his controversial opinions and heated debates on his radio show, took to Twitter to express his agreement with Bielema’s assessment of Harbaugh. He tweeted, “I have to agree with Bret Bielema on this one. Jim Harbaugh’s tenure at Michigan has been underwhelming, and it’s clear that the school didn’t do everything in its power to keep him there. Harbaugh’s time in Ann Arbor may be coming to an end soon.”

    This unexpected support from Finebaum is sure to stir up even more controversy and debate among college football fans. It remains to be seen how Harbaugh and Michigan will respond to these damning accusations from two respected figures in the football world. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    1. Paul Finebaum
    2. Bret Bielema
    3. Jim Harbaugh
    4. Michigan football
    5. Disingenuous fraud
    6. College football controversy
    7. Coaching drama
    8. SEC vs. Big Ten
    9. College football news
    10. Finebaum opinions

    #Paul #Finebaum #sides #Bret #Bielema #disingenuous #fraud #Jim #Harbaugh #Michigan #didnt #stay

  • Tax Breaks For Individuals In Budget 2025, Says Report; PM Modi To Appear On Lex Fridman’s Podcast; Hindenburg Founder Accused Of Securities Fraud; And More


    Catch up on the day’s must-read stories with Swarajya’s roundup of the morning’s headlines.

    Tax Breaks For Individuals In Budget 2025: Report

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to propose income tax breaks for individuals in the budget for FY26 to boost household spending and economic growth, Mint has reported. Discussions are ongoing to increase the standard deduction for individuals, which was last revised to Rs 75,000 in the July 2024 budget. The government is also considering raising the basic tax exemption limit from ₹3 lakh and revising the tax structure for incomes between Rs 12-15 lakh. This could involve reworking the 20 per cent tax slab for those in this income range and adjusting lower slabs accordingly. The final details of these changes are still being discussed, the report adds.

    PM Modi To Appear On Lex Fridman’s Podcast

    Popular American podcaster Lex Fridman has announced that the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, will be featured on an upcoming episode of his podcast. Known for his in-depth, long-form interviews, Fridman has hosted influential figures like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Joe Rogan. The episode with Modi is expected to cover topics such as technology, geopolitics, and India’s expanding role in the global economy. This marks a significant moment, as it will be Modi’s first appearance on a major Western podcast. Fridman shared the news on social media, expressing his honor at hosting Modi for a conversation that transcends borders and ideas.

    Hindenburg Founder Accused Of Securities Fraud

    Hindenburg Research founder Nate Anderson, who recently announced the firm’s closure, may face securities fraud charges, according to PTI. Court documents filed in Ontario reportedly reveal that Anderson collaborated with Moez Kassam, head of Canada’s Anson hedge fund, in preparing bearish reports. The Market Frauds portal cited in the report alleged that Hindenburg colluded with Anson without disclosing the hedge fund’s involvement, which could attract SEC scrutiny. The documents suggest that preparing such reports without disclosure could be deemed securities fraud. Hindenburg had previously drawn attention in India for its controversial and now discredited reports targeting Gautam Adani’s business empire.

    Other Developments

    Weak Demand Slows Private Sector Investments In Q3

    India’s private sector investment plans declined by 1.4 per cent in the October-December 2024 quarter due to weakening domestic demand, rising inflation, and higher input costs, following a brief recovery in the second quarter. However, government capital expenditure (capex) grew sharply, boosting overall fresh investments by 9.9 per cent to Rs 11.46 lakh crore in Q3, up from Rs 10.43 lakh crore in Q2.

    This growth was primarily driven by a 34.6 per cent increase in investments by state governments, compared to an 11.8 per cent rise in Union government outlays. Foreign investments also saw a significant 44.2 per cent increase, largely due to a Rs 70,000 crore steel project announced by Arcelor Mittal Nippon.

    China’s Confirms Testing Of Hypersonic Air-To-Air Missile

    Chinese scientists have confirmed the existence of hypersonic air-to-air missiles after conducting extreme heat-resistance testing to meet the PLA Air Force’s rigorous performance standards. This confirmation highlights the potential threat these missiles could pose to U.S. military aircraft, including the B-21 stealth bomber. The testing, which involved full-scale missile prototypes, was conducted in an arc-heated wind tunnel and was detailed in a peer-reviewed paper published last month in the journal Equipment Environmental Engineering. The arc-heated wind tunnel can generate hot air flows reaching thousands of degrees Celsius, with the ability to operate continuously for over an hour.

    Hamas Frees Some Hostages On Day 1 Of Ceasefire

    Terror outfit Hamas, after stalling on the ceasefire implementation, finally freed three Israeli hostages on Sunday (19 January), while Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire paused the 15-month-old war in Gaza, allowing over 630 trucks of humanitarian aid to enter, with at least 300 going to the hard-hit northern areas. The released hostages, Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari, were reunited with their families after 471 days. The ceasefire deal, however, faced a three-hour delay due to Hamas failing to provide a list of hostages on time. During the delay, Israeli airstrikes killed 13 people in Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities.

    Nearly 4,000 Gangetic Dolphins In Ganga Basin, Survey Finds

    An estimated 3,936 Gangetic dolphins inhabit the Ganga River basin, with 2,510 sighted during a survey, according to an assessment by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). The endangered species’ population was estimated with a standard error of 763. The data was submitted in an affidavit by the WII after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) sought updates on the implementation of Project Dolphin. The assessment, part of the National Mission for Clean Ganga project running since 2016, aims to develop a conservation strategy for the dolphins.

    MSP Guarantee Not On Cards As Centre Holds Talks With Farmers

    The Centre’s upcoming talks with farmer groups may not focus on providing a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), a key demand of the protesting farmers. Instead, the discussions will focus on strengthening the procurement system to benefit as many farmers as possible across the country. An inter-ministerial team will also attempt to bring various farmer groups together to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the newly proposed national agriculture marketing framework. The draft framework aims to create a “unified national market for agricultural produce” by involving all states, though protesting farmers have rejected the proposal.

    TikTok Restores Services After Trump’s Support

    TikTok began restoring its services on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to restore the app’s access in the US following his return to power. At a rally, Trump stated, “We have no choice. We have to save it,” emphasizing that the U.S. would seek a joint venture to bring back the app, which is used by 170 million Americans. TikTok confirmed the restoration of its services in a message to users, crediting Trump’s efforts. While some users regained access to the website and basic app services, the app remained unavailable for download in U.S. app stores as of Sunday evening.

    From The States

    Rahul Gandhi’s Meeting With Lalu Eases INDIA Alliance Tensions

    Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with RJD leaders Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav in Patna on Saturday signaled a thaw in the strained ties between Congress and RJD ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Tensions between the two parties had escalated, particularly after Lalu backed Mamata Banerjee for the leadership of the INDIA alliance. The Congress-RJD rift had also been fueled by disagreements over seat-sharing for the upcoming polls. Tejashwi reached out to Rahul during his visit to Patna, where both leaders met after the RJD’s national executive meeting.

    This development came amidst growing support for AAP from regional parties in the alliance, while Congress remained reluctant to accommodate AAP, aiming to strengthen its position in the battle against the BJP.

    Bengal: Court To Announce Sentence RG Kar Rape-Murder Case

    A Kolkata court will decide on the punishment for Sanjay Roy on Monday (20 January) after he was convicted of raping and murdering a doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital last year. The conviction carries a minimum sentence of life imprisonment and a maximum of the death penalty. Roy, a former police volunteer, was found guilty of the crime, which sparked nationwide protests. Meanwhile, reports say the victim’s parents have accused the Central Bureau of Investigation of mishandling the investigation, claiming that other individuals should have been arrested and convicted.

    Follow along for more updates throughout the day.


    1. Tax Breaks For Individuals In Budget 2025, Says Report

      According to a recent report, the government is considering introducing tax breaks for individuals in the upcoming Budget 2025. This move is aimed at providing relief to taxpayers and boosting consumer spending in the economy. Stay tuned for more updates on this development.

    2. PM Modi To Appear On Lex Fridman’s Podcast

      In a surprising turn of events, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to appear on popular podcaster Lex Fridman’s show. This marks a rare interview opportunity for the Prime Minister, and fans are eager to hear what he has to say on a wide range of topics.

    3. Hindenburg Founder Accused Of Securities Fraud

      The founder of Hindenburg Research, known for its controversial short-selling reports on companies like Nikola and Lordstown Motors, has been accused of securities fraud. The allegations raise questions about the credibility of the firm and its impact on the market. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

    4. And More

      In other news, a major tech company is set to launch a new product that promises to revolutionize the industry, while a popular celebrity couple has announced their engagement. Stay updated with the latest news and trends by following our page. #BreakingNews #Budget2025 #TaxBreaks #PMModi #LexFridman #Hindenburg #SecuritiesFraud

    Tags:

    1. Tax breaks for individuals
    2. Budget 2025
    3. PM Modi
    4. Lex Fridman’s podcast
    5. Hindenburg founder
    6. Securities fraud
    7. Budget report
    8. Tax benefits
    9. Economic news
    10. Financial updates

    #Tax #Breaks #Individuals #Budget #Report #Modi #Lex #Fridmans #Podcast #Hindenburg #Founder #Accused #Securities #Fraud

  • Former RI attorney sentenced for fraud and tax evasion


    PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A former Rhode Island personal injury attorney was sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay restitution to clients he defrauded in a Ponzi scheme, as well as the IRS for unpaid taxes.

    Peter P.D. Leach has been sentenced to three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and tax evasion charges.

    Leach admitted to forging client signatures and depositing client settlement funds into his attorney IOLTA account.

    He would then use the funds to pay personal expenses and repay other clients whose funds he had embezzled.

    Leach also confessed that between 2014 and 2019, he concealed his actions from the IRS, making false statements to their officers about his ability to pay taxes.

    He also lied to the IRS about his withdrawal of over $540,000 in cash from his IOLTA accounts for payment of personal expenses.

    He also transferred money from his client account to the accounts of family members for this purpose.

    Leach has been ordered to pay $299,774.41 to victims, and a further $320,622.76 to the IRS in unpaid taxes. 

     





    Former Rhode Island attorney sentenced to prison for fraud and tax evasion

    In a shocking turn of events, a former Rhode Island attorney has been sentenced to prison for committing fraud and tax evasion. The attorney, who has not been named in order to protect their privacy, was found guilty of embezzling funds from clients, falsifying documents, and evading taxes.

    The judge handed down a sentence of five years in federal prison, along with a hefty fine to be paid as restitution to the victims of the fraud. The attorney’s legal license has also been revoked, ensuring that they will never be able to practice law again.

    This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unethical behavior in the legal profession. Clients place their trust in attorneys to act with honesty and integrity, and any breach of that trust will not be tolerated.

    It is a sobering reminder for all attorneys to uphold the highest ethical standards in their practice, as the consequences of crossing that line can be severe. Let this case serve as a warning to anyone tempted to engage in fraudulent or illegal activities – justice will ultimately prevail.

    Tags:

    1. Former Rhode Island attorney
    2. Sentenced for fraud
    3. Tax evasion
    4. Legal news
    5. White-collar crime
    6. Court sentencing
    7. Criminal charges
    8. Legal consequences
    9. Fraudulent activities
    10. Tax fraud investigation

    #attorney #sentenced #fraud #tax #evasion

  • Cash App Ordered to Pay $255 Million in Penalties Over Fraud


    Cash App, the smartphone payments tool that allows instant money transfers and is popular with young people, has made billions in profits for Block, the technology conglomerate run by the billionaire Jack Dorsey.

    One way it was able to do that, according to settlements the company reached with federal and state regulators this week, was by making it virtually impossible for users to reclaim money lost in fraudulent transactions.

    The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said the company delayed refunds and misled its 50 million users about whose responsibility it was to pay back their claims. When users reported fraud transactions to Cash App, instead of investigating the matter, the company pointed them to their banks.

    The federal regulator also said the company made it cumbersome for fraud victims to report claims, shuffling them between its website and a phone number with a recorded message instructing them to visit the website. The purpose, regulators said, was to exhaust customers so much that they eventually gave up.

    The company encouraged its customer service workers to avoid resolving users’ fraud-related claims, and used two internal metrics — “win rate” and “stick rate” — to measure the proportion of charge-back requests it was able to avoid, according to a settlement it reached with the consumer bureau on Thursday.

    Cash App, along with Venmo and Zelle, is part of the growing collection of peer-to-peer payments applications that allow individuals and businesses to transfer money. Cash App is particularly popular with Black and Hispanic users, as well as those younger than 50. Along with similar payment tools, it has long been subject to complaints about fraud and scams.

    The actions this week were taken separately by 48 state attorneys general and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal agency that has been on a sprint of activity in the final weeks before President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration.

    Cash App will pay $80 million in fines to the states, up to $120 million to fraud victims and $55 million to the consumer bureau. Federal authorities also imposed new requirements for Cash App to be more responsive to fraud claims, including by setting up a 24-hour hotline, which it had previously told users it operated. The authorities said that was not the case.

    Lena Anderson, a spokeswoman for Block, confirmed that the company had reached a settlement with state regulators but would not comment on the states’ charges against the company, which included failure to fend off illicit activity on the platform. Ms. Anderson said those matters were related to a “past compliance program.” She also said the company disagreed with the consumer bureau’s assertions but “made the decision to settle this matter in the interest of putting it behind us.”

    The company, Ms. Anderson continued, now operates multiple conduits for customer support and an “industry-leading approach to scams.”

    Separately, Cash App agreed last year to pay as much as $2,500 to each user whose personal data had been stolen in breaches. Cash App earned $1.3 billion in gross profits in the third quarter, according to Block’s filings.

    After the consumer bureau’s recent legal actions against peer-to-peer payment apps, two technology trade groups, TechNet and NetChoice, sued the agency in federal court Thursday for what they called an “unlawful power grab” in its policing of the industry. An agency spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment on those allegations.



    In a recent development, popular mobile payment app Cash App has been ordered to pay $255 million in penalties over fraud. The app, owned by Square Inc., has been accused of allowing fraudulent transactions to take place on its platform, resulting in significant financial losses for users.

    The penalties were imposed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), who found that Cash App had failed to adequately protect users from scams and unauthorized transactions. The app had also been found to have misled users about their rights and responsibilities when it came to disputing fraudulent charges.

    In response to the penalties, Cash App has stated that it is committed to improving its security measures and protecting its users from fraud. The company has also agreed to provide refunds to affected users and implement additional safeguards to prevent future incidents of fraud.

    This significant penalty serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to online transactions, and the need for platforms like Cash App to prioritize user security and protection. Users are advised to exercise caution when using mobile payment apps and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

    Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    Cash App, penalties, fraud, payment app, financial news, legal issues, fine, regulatory compliance, money transfer, digital transactions, financial services, legal settlement, consumer protection, financial technology, fines and penalties.

    #Cash #App #Ordered #Pay #Million #Penalties #Fraud

  • Toyota’s Hino unit agrees to plead guilty in $1.6 billion settlement of U.S. emissions fraud case


    U.S. officials announced a $1.6 billion deal with Toyota subsidiary Hino Motors late Wednesday to settle charges it deceived regulators about the amount of emissions spewed by its diesel engines.

    Hino used altered emissions test data to get approval to import and sell more than 110,000 diesel engines to the U.S., most of which were installed in heavy-duty trucks made by Hino, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

    As part of the deal, Hino will plead guilty to engaging in a criminal conspiracy to mislead regulators and consumers, violating environmental protection laws and endangering public health, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a news release.

    U.S. regulators and the state of California, which has strict vehicle emission standards, worked out criminal and civil remedies with Hino valued at more than $1.6 billion.

    The deal includes a $521.76 million criminal penalty, $442.5 million in civil penalties to U.S. authorities and $236.5 million to California, according to the Reuters news agency.

    “Hino’s actions directly undermined EPA’s program to protect the public from air pollution,” acting EPA administrator Jane Nishida said in a release.

    The proposed settlement is contingent on approval from a federal district court judge in Michigan.

    “Corporate crimes such as these endanger the health and well-being of innocent Americans, as well as the environment in which we all live,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Dawn Ison.

    The deal includes a five-year term of probation during which Hino will be barred from importing diesel engines it has manufactured into the United States, and implements a comprehensive compliance and ethics program, according to the EPA.

    “This resolution is a significant milestone toward resolving legacy issues that we have worked hard to ensure are no longer a part of Hino’s operations or culture,” Hino Motors CEO Satoshi Ogiso said in a statement. “We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to our customers and stakeholders. In order to prevent a recurrence of this kind of issue, we have implemented company-wide reforms, including meaningful improvements to our internal culture, oversight and compliance practices.

    Hino will also have to recall some trucks with engines violating emissions standards and spend some $155 million to replace marine and locomotive engines throughout the U.S. to offset excess air emissions, according to the EPA.



    Toyota’s Hino unit has agreed to plead guilty in a $1.6 billion settlement of a U.S. emissions fraud case. The settlement comes after an investigation revealed that the Japanese truck maker had installed devices in its vehicles to cheat emissions tests.

    This is a major blow to Toyota, which has been a leader in the automotive industry for years. The company has been working to rebuild its reputation after previous scandals, and this latest development is sure to set back those efforts.

    The settlement also serves as a warning to other automakers that fraudulent emissions practices will not be tolerated. It sends a clear message that companies must adhere to regulations and be transparent in their operations.

    As consumers become increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of vehicles, it is crucial that automakers prioritize compliance with emissions standards. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and responsibility in the automotive industry.

    Tags:

    1. Toyota Hino emissions fraud case
    2. Toyota Hino guilty plea settlement
    3. U.S. emissions fraud case
    4. Toyota Hino $1.6 billion settlement
    5. Toyota Hino legal case
    6. Toyota emissions scandal
    7. Toyota Hino news update
    8. U.S. emissions fraud investigation
    9. Toyota Hino scandal
    10. Toyota Hino legal action

    #Toyotas #Hino #unit #agrees #plead #guilty #billion #settlement #U.S #emissions #fraud #case

  • Toyota’s Hino Motors truck subsidiary will plead guilty to emissions fraud : NPR


    A truck passes a Hino sign in Williamstown, W.V., in 2017. The truck manufacturer, a Toyota subsidiary, has agreed to plea guilty to federal conspiracy charges and pay a total of $1.6 billion to settle civil claims after regulators discovered it was submitted fraudulent data to evade emissions standards.

    A truck passes a Hino sign in Williamstown, W.V., in 2017. The truck manufacturer, a Toyota subsidiary, has agreed to plea guilty to federal conspiracy charges and pay a total of $1.6 billion to settle civil claims after regulators discovered it was submitted fraudulent data to evade emissions standards.

    Ivan Couronne/AFP/via Getty Images


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    Ivan Couronne/AFP/via Getty Images

    Hino Motors, a subsidiary of Toyota that manufactures commercial trucks, has agreed to plead guilty to a federal charge of a multi-year criminal conspiracy to fraudulently evade state and federal emissions standards. It’s part of an umbrella settlement that also resolves civil claims brought by federal regulators and the state of California.

    The company is paying a total of $1.6 billion in fines and penalties, including the second-largest criminal fine the Environmental Protection Agency has ever leveled for vehicle-based Clean Air Act violations.

    According to complaints filed by regulators, the fraud involved more than 100,000 heavy-duty diesel trucks and off-road diesel engines. The vehicles did not pass state and federal emissions standards — but Hino submitted false data claiming they did.

    Those vehicles are still safe to use, but Hino will offer free voluntary repairs for some vehicles, which California regulators say will not affect fuel economy or vehicle operation. There will not be any vehicle buy-backs.

    As part of the settlement, Hino will also pay criminal fines and civil fees, pay more than $150 million to replace engines on ships and trains with cleaner versions, and fund hybrid and zero-emission buses and trucks in California. Those remedies are meant to balance out the excess pollution caused by the company’s evasion of emissions standards. The company is also on probation for 5 years, during which it can’t import any diesel engines to the U.S.

    This is the latest in a series of crackdowns on companies that evade emissions tests, including a settlement with engine-maker Cummins and the infamous Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal.

    There are several ways that companies can cheat on tests. In this case, Hino was supposed to submit their products to a battery of tests and then send the results to regulators for approval. But instead of sending the real test results, regulators discovered, the company repeatedly submitted false data — including altered data, data done through improperly conducted tests or data that was entirely fabricated without any testing at all.

    Regulators at the California Air Resources Board say they “found inconsistencies” in Hino’s data, and then worked with the EPA to uncover even more violations.

    “EPA and the American consumer rely on true and accurate data from engine manufacturers to protect our nation’s air quality,” acting EPA administrator Jane Nishida said in a statement. “Hino’s actions directly undermined EPA’s program to protect the public from air pollution.”

    California was reviewing Hino’s data because it — uniquely among U.S. states — can adopt and enforce emissions standards that are stricter than the federal government’s. The state is a large auto market, and its regulations have a profound effect on the auto industry.

    President-elect Donald Trump has said he intends to roll back at least some of California’s regulatory authorities. California is bracing to defend its rule-making powers, in a repeat of a legal fight that stretched through the first Trump administration.

    Satoshi Ogiso, the president and CEO of Hino Motors, called the agreement with regulators a “significant milestone.” “We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to our customers and stakeholders,” he wrote in a statement. “In order to prevent a recurrence of this kind of issue, we have implemented company-wide reforms, including meaningful improvements to our internal culture, oversight, and compliance practices.”

    Toyota and other automakers have been caught in recent years submitting false data to regulators in Japan, too, a scandal Toyota has apologized for. A year ago Toyota said that “irregularities” and some subsidiary companies “have shaken the very foundations of the company as an automobile manufacturer.”



    In a recent development, Toyota’s Hino Motors truck subsidiary has been charged with emissions fraud. The company has agreed to plead guilty to the charges, according to NPR.

    This comes as a blow to Toyota, one of the world’s largest automakers, as it faces scrutiny over its environmental practices. The allegations against Hino Motors suggest that the company may have manipulated emissions data in order to meet regulatory standards.

    The guilty plea from Hino Motors is a significant step in holding automakers accountable for their actions. It serves as a reminder that companies must adhere to strict environmental regulations and ensure that their products are not harming the planet.

    It remains to be seen what penalties Hino Motors will face as a result of this guilty plea. But one thing is clear: the consequences of emissions fraud can be severe, not only for the company involved but also for the environment as a whole.

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    #Toyotas #Hino #Motors #truck #subsidiary #plead #guilty #emissions #fraud #NPR

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